Heathlands in Vlierden show varied colors due to extreme drought

Heathlands in the Vlierden region are currently in bloom, but the landscape displays an unusual palette of colors due to recent extreme drought. While healthy heather remains purple, an increased amount of orange-colored vegetation has appeared, signifying plants that have died as a direct result of the lack of moisture.

Staatsbosbeheer notes that the survival of these plants depends heavily on age and soil composition. Older plants tend to have better survival rates because their deeper root systems can access moisture further down in the soil. In contrast, younger plants with shallower roots are more susceptible to drying out, particularly on sandy soils where water drains quickly.

In addition to the orange hues of recent deaths, grey skeletons known as ‘staketsels’ are visible from plants that died in previous years, often due to pests like the heather beetle. The drought has also impacted local trees, such as pedunculate oak and silver birch, in certain areas.